Are You Guilty of These Wasteful Backyard Water Habits?

Posted on Jan 14, 2017 12:30pm PST

Today, many people are
rethinking how they water their lawn to help cut down on water usage. If you’re looking for ways to use
less water in your garden in San Jose, then read on to learn about common
ways that water gets wasted in the backyard.

Planting Non-Native Species

One of the most common reasons why people end up using significant amounts
of water to keep their lawn looking good is growing grass or plants that
aren’t found naturally in their area. Native plants have acclimated
to grow with little to no irrigation where you live. If you want to use
less water, switch to a grass species that is drought tolerant and switch
out your non-native plants with those that are from your region.

Failing to Aerate

Perforating your yard’s soil is an important part of keeping your
lawn healthy. By helping the dirt breathe in this way, water and other
nutrients can make their way down to the roots more easily. Twice per
year, aerate your lawn to help get the most out of your irrigation.

Mowing Too Frequently

While consistent mowing is an important part of maintaining a healthy lawn,
cutting it more often than is needed can increase the amount of water
that your grass requires. Longer blades help shade the soil, keeping the
roots cooler and preventing moisture from evaporating. Adjust your move
blades to a height of 2 to 3 inches and never take off more than a third
of your lawn’s length in a single mowing.

Letting Water Escape

While cutting back on irrigation after a storm is an excellent way to
reduce your backyard water usage, there is more that you can do to take
advantage of rainfall. By setting up a rain barrel to collect the water
that drains from your roof, you can make a big impact on your monthly
water bills. To take this concept a step further, consider setting up
a greywater irrigation system to reuse the water that drains from your
home’s sinks, dishwashers, tubs, and showers.